[A WEEK AGO FROM FAMILY DINNER]
The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the evening sun filtering through the heavy curtains. Edward Thorne, a man of considerable wealth and influence, sat in his favorite armchair, contemplating a decision that would surprise everyone in his family. His estate, vast and sprawling, was a testament to decades of hard work and shrewd investments. However, among all his assets, it was his shares in Allen Group that he prized most.
Elder Allen had always been a man of foresight, and as he approached his twilight years, his thoughts turned increasingly toward the legacy he would leave behind. Although he had two children and two grandchildren, it was his granddaughter-in-law, Jasmine, who intrigued him the most. From her childhood her sharp mind and compassionate heart set her apart. He saw in her the potential to carry forward not just the business, but the values that he held dear. When she went to countryside they both was in contact with each other and shared knowledge with each other. Though Jasmine didn't know Elder Allen's identity or she couldn't identify him now.
He wanted to give it to David but David refused it multiple times and David also had been broken after becoming cripple.
He knew that his decision to gift all his shares to Jasmine would be controversial. His family was embroiled in a silent competition, each member eager to inherit the lion's share of the estate. To ensure Jasmine's safety and to protect his legacy from any fallout, He decided to keep his plan a secret, hidden away until the time was right.
He began by consulting his trusted lawyer, Harold, a man who had been with him through countless battles in the boardroom. Together, they devised a plan. The shares would be transferred quietly to her quickly.
Elder Allen penned a letter to Jasmine, explaining his reasons for this unconventional choice. He spoke of his faith in her abilities and his desire to see the family business thrive under her guidance. The letter, sealed with his personal crest to be given to her at right time.
"Dear Jasmine," it began. "By the time you read this, you will have discovered the truth of my intentions. Know that this decision was made with great care and love. In you, I see the future of our family and our legacy. Trust in your instincts and lead with the courage you have always shown."
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[AFTER DINNER ]
David and Jasmine arrived at the door of Elder Allen's study in silence. The hallway well lit with several rooms facing each other.
Jasmine a slowly tapped on the door. A weak imperceptible voice filtered through ushering them inside.
Jasmine held the handle and pushed lightly, the door opened with a squeak. Ethan pushed it with wider as she wheeled David in and the door shut with a click as Ethan remained outside.
Elder Allen sat behind the large mahogany table, his friend and butler Alfred standing beside him a glass of warm water in his hand as he helped Elder Allen take a sip to moisten his hoarse throat.
Jasmine's eyes swept over the room as she took note of the arrangement. The study though dimly lit exuded an air of authority and a long standing tradition of the Allen family blended both with sophistication and legacy.
On the walls lined a floor to ceiling bookshelves and one side of the shelves housing various awards, a testament of their prowess in so many aspects. A bed at the far extreme corner of the study, a clear indication of balancing work and rest.
A large mahogany table positioned at the center has several files arranged on it. A reading lamp on the desk with some exquisite antique orderly arranged in various positions of the room bringing to light its vintage furnishings.
Her gaze scanned the study lightly before it settled on Elder Allen's pale complexion. Though his posture was straight and composed, the faint tremor in his hands did not escape her eyes.
His shoulders sagged lightly, Vera's incident has really taken its toll on his weak body and despite the warm water Alfred offered him, he is still tired.
David's expression was cold and almost detached as he studied his grandfather but his eyes held several emotions swirling in them, his thought conflicting. He had been told his grandfather was hospitalized immediately after his accident due to shock and heart attack.
But like other members of the family he had been away from his ward until he woke up, he had not done anything to stop Desmond and Aaron from their plans. He had also approved his deal of forcing him into marriage with a woman he never knew or met.
There was no mistaking the exhaustion in the old man's gaze, but beneath it, there was something else— a calmness of someone fully prepared for eventuality. A look that left David wondering what he has in stock for calling them.
Elder Allen lowered the glass Alfred had helped him with and placed it gently on the table. His eyes lifted to meet Jasmine's first before shifting to David. "Sit," he instructed, his voice slightly hoarse but still carrying its usual authority.
Jasmine didn't hesitate. She moved David to a more comfortable position before she took the chair before Elder Allen. His gaze never leaving hers. It was as though he wants to see the in-depth of her soul and heart.
Jasmine met his gaze head on, a silent battle of wits between them. His lips curled up in approval, she had not cowered under his gaze. A deep sigh escaped his lips.
"Jasmine Brown right?" He asked glancing at her. His tone wasn't a question but more of a confirmation. His gaze lingering in the distance as one reveling on an old memory.
"Desmond might have chosen you as David wife and also forced him into the marriage but I want you to see this union as fate", he said calmly, his voice carrying a nostalgic tone.
"Fate?" Jasmine queried with curiosity. She couldn't shake the feeling that Elder had something he is not saying — or doesn't want to say.
Elder Allen nodded at her question "Yes, it is fate. You will understand with time", He muttered. He wouldn't want to go into that details because as much as he would love to it is better they discover it themselves.
"Grandpa, how have you been feeling lately?" Jasmine asked while she took in the various changes on his face and his body.
Elder Allen exhaled slowly, then turned his gaze to David. "I have been feeling... different lately. At first, I attributed it to old age, but now...I" His voice trailed off.
His face twisted in pain, his face paled and his fist clenched as he gasped for breathe. A sharp gasp escaped his lips. His entire body swayed, his hand clutching at his chest.
"Oh no, not good", Jasmine muttered.
Then, in the blink of an eye, he collapsed. Jasmine acted instantly. Her instincts kicked in, and she was by his side before his body fully hit the ground.
"Grandpa!" David called out, his eyes wide with panic. Alfred hurried to his room to get his medication. His movement attracting the attention of some of the family members with Desmond raising the alarm.
He had been worried because of Elder Allen's summoning of David. He might have a hidden agenda but hearing the frantic voices in the study vested him with relief.
Jasmine quickly swung into action, she checked on his pulse which was very weak, his breath shallow coupled with the previous symptoms she noticed in the dinning room, she made her deductions. "He was been drugged slowly and timely". She muttered.
David made to call for help but she stopped him. "Don't call anyone in, I will try my best to handle it", she said with a strong conviction.
"Why?" He asked though he has the suspicion that she might be a doctor due to the various cases and incidents but hearing her instructions, he needs to inquire further.
"Don't alert the enemy", she said in a quiet and calm tone. Ethan had already rushed in when David shouted and was standing there in the room.
"He is been poisoned but in a gradual process without anyone's notice. Sending him to the hospital without a first aid means he will be a goner before they will arrive the hospital." She recounted while checking his vitals, the same time Alfred entered. His eyes widened in surprise at what he heard.
David grabbed his phone, but Jasmine's voice cut through. "Trust me. I can handle it."
David hesitated before nodding, he wanted to object strongly but after a thought decided to trust her.
Jasmine quickly unbuttoned Elder Allen's collar, tilting his head slightly to clear his airway. Her hands moved with practiced precision as she stabilized his condition.
With a swift motion, she retrieved a small medical kit from her handbag which she had dropped on David legs as she hurried to hold Elder Allen from hitting the ground, a habit she had never abandoned despite hiding her true profession.
She retrieved a potent vial, she had long researched and prepared by herself. The vial has always been with her in case of an emergency situation as this. She injected him with the content of the vial to ease the pain and clear the toxins that had accumulated over tie time due to persistent drugging.
"Ethan, help me let's lie him on the bed". She instructed.
After a few minutes, Elder Allen's breathing evened out, though his body remained weak and unconscious.
Meanwhile, outside the study, the rest of the family was on edge.